Can orchestras be democratic organizations?
An interesting thing happened at the Eugene Community Orchestra Rehearsal this evening. The conductor asked the entire string section for input about bowing in the 3rd movement of Brahms’ Symphony #4. Evidently, there was some variance in the marked bowing and it was not clear if the tied measures at the end (m. 143-150) should be down, up, down; or down, down, down.
Now, I understand that this may seem to be an insignificant detail and it will be easily resolved at the next rehearsal, but the effect that this question had in the orchestra was quite interesting. The raucous that ensued was not calmed for at least five minutes – wasting rehearsal time. It also illustrated to me how musicians have very strong opinions and really want to be heard.
This episode shed light on the management challenge of utilizing orchestra musicians in decision-making. Can agreements ever come from 50-70 different opinions of the musicians?
Symphony Orchestras originated as collaborative organizations with shared decision-making. These early symphonies evolved into the hierarchical management structures of modern orchestras, see my Inherent Tension post.
Collaborative performing arts organizations do exist today:
The Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is a conductor less ensemble based in New York City. A core of musicians comprised of the principle players from each section determine musical elements of each piece, including bowing, phrasing, and tempo.
Another organization in New York is C4: The Choral Composer/Conductor Collective. this organization utilizes a core group of singers/composers in artistic decisions.
Is it possible for symphony orchestras to emulate these decision-making formats? Each of these organizations will be analyzed in more detail along with musings about artistic programming and symphony management structures in upcoming posts.
For now enjoy the Brahms 3rd movement: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trr_9rXaI1U. This version clearly shows the violins bowing down, up, down at 5:30 into the piece: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phnqpJQ4CCk
Are quick decisions or a democratic process more important in arts organizations’ decision-making?
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